'The next Kvaratskhelia' - Aston Villa and Liverpool ready bids to sign 'explosive' £29.5m winger
This wonderkid dubbed the next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be on his way to Aston Villa or Liverpool.
Aston Villa reportedly hold a strong interest in signing Real Betis wonderkid Jesus Rodriguez this summer but face competition from a host of other top clubs.
Unai Emery is determined to land a new left-sided winger in the coming months as Marcus Rashford will no longer be joining permanently from Manchester United. Villa had an option to buy Rashford for £40 million but the 62-time England international wants to play in the Champions League and refused to lower his wage demands.
Rodriguez, who has just enjoyed his breakthrough season at Betis, could be a viable alternative. Albeit very inexperienced, the 19-year-old showcased last campaign why he could be one of the stars of the future. He may have only scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances, including 24 starts, but he impressed most with his confidence in taking on his man to progress attacks.
Reports in Spain this week suggest Villa have been keeping close tabs on Rodriguez and hold a strong interest in signing him this summer. The Villans’ president of football operations, Monchi, has reportedly held initial talks over the possibility of bringing the winger to Villa Park.
There’s plenty of competition, however, as Liverpool and Man Utd are mentioned as other Premier League clubs keen and the likes of Juventus and Napoli are expected to make official approaches. Then there’s RB Leipzig, who have already seen a bid of €20 million (£16.9m) rejected.
It’s claimed that Betis are set to hold an auction for Rodriguez and could end up reaching the teenager’s €35 million (£29.5m) release clause if they are to sanction a sale. That may seem rather steep for a player of such few senior minutes but potential is expensive and Rodriguez has it in abundance.
How would Jesus Rodriguez fit in at Aston Villa?
It would be difficult to envisage Rodriguez starting right away at Villa given his age and inexperience but he could quite easily become an impact substitute from the off, playing second fiddle to Jacob Ramsey. Rodriguez, who recently played 37 minutes of the Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea, could provide cover on the right wing as well as the left as he’s well-suited to either side.
According to a recent scout report from Jacek Kulig, Rodriguez’s main strengths are pace, acceleration, dribbling, ball control, bravery, work rate and athleticism. As he’s right-footed, he likes to cut in from the left but is also capable of reaching the byline on the opposite flank.
Described as the next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the hot prospect is a current Spain Under-21 international and is expected to take part in the Under-21 European Championship, being held in Slovakia later this month. Rodriguez, explosive as a wide winger or an inside forward, will be eager to start as many matches as possible to further heighten his stock and reputation.